The 8 Benefits of Body Scrubs. Number 6 Will Shock You!
There are many different spa treatments that one can receive upon their visit. There are facials, massages, hot tubs, couples treatments, waxing, and more. One luxurious treatment typically offered that people might not realize is a body scrub. A body scrub is a popular spa treatment that exfoliates the skin on your body, which can leave your skin feeling soft, silky, and refreshed. The treatment is similar to that of a facial, except it is performed on your body. In this article, we will explore the history of body scrubs, their benefits, and the different types you can receive.
The history of body scrubs
While body scrubs seem like a relatively new and modern beauty practice, they have actually been around since the time of ancient civilizations. Their origins can be traced back to first being used among those in ancient Egypt, where members of the royal family, and eventually the public, took part in these benefits. They would use scrubs with perfumed oils to keep their skin supple and free of wrinkles from the dry desert heat. Other ancient cultures in Greece, Rome and India began to use these practices as well in order to best nourish the body, mind and soul. The process of putting on body scrubs became a whole routine, in which women would come together weekly to relax, bathe and gossip while they scrubbed their bodies with the exfoliator. Today, this weekly ritual continues in many countries around the world.
Body scrubs are widely used today and are practiced to achieve many beauty and health benefits. They are recognized for removing dead skin cells and dirt from the outermost layers of the skin, moisturizing and replacing natural oils, stimulating the body's natural healing mechanism, encouraging cell renewal and eliminating excess fluids and bloating while leaving your skin supple, healthy and glowing. Let us delve further into how to use body scrubs and the benefits of using them below.
How do you use body scrubs?
Body scrubs are made with a particle-like texture that is thick yet spreadable to help remove dead skin cells on the outer layer. Though our skin naturally sheds these old cells over time, by facilitating the process, this helps to create softer-feeling skin much quicker. Body scrubs can also help to prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs since the pores become thoroughly cleaned. This is especially important if you shave or wax, as old skin cells can easily get trapped in the follicles where you have removed the hair. Using an exfoliator regularly will help to make your skin feel more even-looking and smooth. Exfoliation creates a feeling of all-over refreshment for both the body and mind, because when your body feels healthy, you feel good inside.
There are many different types of body scrubs, including sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, coffee scrubs, and more. Each type has its own unique properties and benefits. For example, sugar scrubs are often gentler on the skin and more moisturizing, while salt scrubs are great for deep exfoliation.
At a spa, during a full body scrub treatment, you will be asked to get changed and lay down on a treatment table. The scrub is then massaged onto your skin by your esthetician and may be followed by a mask. The exfoliating products, dead skin cells, and debris are then rinsed from your body with water. After, your therapist will dry you and apply a moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out after the treatment.
While this is offered at spas, you can also do it yourself at home. See below for a step-by-step guide for how to pamper yourself, as outlined by The Body Shop:
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Prepping your skin will allow your scrub to work to its full potential. First, you need to soak either in a shower or bath. This is because skin needs to be damp to get to full benefit of exfoliation, and the warm water will help open your pores and soften your skin’s surface. Hopefully now you are allowing yourself to feel relaxed throughout your mind and body.
Step 2: Apply Scrub to Damp Skin
Remove yourself from water in order to best apply your scrub by turning off your shower or standing up in your bath. Now, put a good amount of your favorite scrub onto your damp skin, and massage the product in circular motions all over your body. Make sure to be careful when applying to your feet as the bathroom can get very slippery.
Step 3: Work Scrub into your Skin
If you wish, you can use a scrub accessory like a body brush to increase the exfoliating and cleansing impact of the process. Be sure to not brush very hard as this might be too harsh for your skin.
Step 4: Rinse Off Leftover Scrub
At this point, you can get back into the warm water and rinse off the body scrub. Continue the massaging motions you did in step 2 and brush off any excess exfoliating particles. The body scrub process is complete–your skin should feel softer, more radiant, cleaner, more even and smoother. Be sure to moisturize to keep skin very smooth.
How often should you use a body scrub?
Now that you know how to apply a body scrub, you may wonder how often you should be using this product. Well, it should not be used everyday. This is because exfoliating can be harsh on the skin if it is overdone–if there is nothing to scrub away, then you are just rubbing on your skin. While you know your skin’s needs the best and can base on that, the average number of times you should scrub is two or three times a week. During the winter, you may need to exfoliate more often as the cold weather (and indoor heaters) tends to create more dead skin cells, but you know your skin’s needs the best. If you have oily skin, you might also need to exfoliate a little more often; if you have dry skin, you might need to do the opposite. The skin on your body is not as sensitive as on your face, so you can do some trial and error to see what works best for you and your skin.
While body scrubs can be beneficial for many people, they may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consider your individual skin type and any underlying skin conditions before scheduling a body scrub treatment. People with sensitive skin, for example, may need to avoid certain types of scrubs or exfoliate less frequently than others. Exfoliating can also be too harsh for skin that is already compromised. If you have any cuts or open wounds, it is best to avoid exfoliating until they have healed. Individuals with certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may need to avoid certain ingredients or types of scrubs that could worsen their condition.
It is always a good idea to speak with a licensed esthetician or skincare professional before scheduling a body scrub treatment. They can help you determine whether a body scrub is right for you and recommend the best type of scrub for your individual needs.
What are the benefits of body scrubs?
Body scrubs offer plenty of benefits–let us explore them in more detail below:
Remove dead skin cells - The number one benefit of body scrubs is that they remove dead skin cells. This is because body scrubs dislodge the dead skin cells to reveal softer, smoother, and more supple skin. However, body scrubs do not just scrub away at the surface of the skin. The best scrubs also include hydrating, nourishing or detoxifying ingredients that penetrate more deeply to enhance the beauty of the skin below the surface.
Unclog pores and clear blemishes - Body scrubs work to improve the overall health (and appearance) of your skin by clearing pores of toxins and breakout-causing build-up. Dead skin cells can build up on the surface of the skin, causing clogged pores and resulting in breakouts. By exfoliating with a body scrub, these cells are removed, leaving the pores clear and reducing the risk of breakouts. This way, you can more effectively cleanse your skin, prevent congestion and help keep body acne down.
Improve overall skin texture - As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and firmness. Exfoliating with a body scrub can help to stimulate blood flow, promoting collagen production and resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin. The motion of scrubbing sugar scrubs also increases blood circulation in your body. One of the reasons why blood circulation is so important is because fresh blood leads to healthier skin. By using a body scrub, you're boosting your circulation to allow blood to move throughout your entire body more easily. When dry skin isn’t removed, it makes the skin rough to the touch and has a dull, cracked texture and appearance. By removing the dead, dry cells, you should have smoother and more even skin.
Reduce the appearance of cellulite - Another benefit of body scrubs is that they can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is caused by a buildup of fat cells, which can make the skin appear dimpled and uneven. Exfoliating with a body scrub can help to break down these fat cells, resulting in smoother, more toned skin.
Absorb other skincare products and hydrate your skin - Body scrubs can also help to improve the absorption of other skincare products including moisturizer. When we exfoliate, we remove the barrier of dead skin cells, thus allowing other products to penetrate deeper into the skin, resulting in more effective results; any moisturizer applied afterward will soak into the skin more thoroughly. Additionally, most multitasking body scrubs will feed the skin with hydrating and nourishing ingredients.
Help fade acne scars - Body scrubs don’t just reduce body acne and blemishes–they are also great for getting rid of acne scars and promoting a more even skin tone. Through the process of revitalizing the skin, body scrubs help to speed up cell turnover which in this case means mild to moderate acne scars and discoloration will fade faster as healthier skin continues to appear.
Prevent ingrown hairs - If you are wondering whether you should shave before a body scrub, the answer is yes. It is generally recommended to shave before a body scrub, as this can help to remove any dead skin cells and debris that may be trapped in the hair follicles. Shaving also helps to ensure that the scrub is evenly applied and can penetrate the skin more effectively. However, you should wait at least 24 hours after shaving before getting a body scrub. This is because shaving can cause microscopic abrasions and irritation to the skin, and exfoliation could make it worse. Waiting for a day or two will allow the skin to heal and reduce the potential risk of further irritation or discomfort during the body scrub treatment. By regularly using a body scrub, you will unclog your pores, which can prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Relax and de-stress - Body scrubs can also be a great way to relax and de-stress. The gentle massaging motion of exfoliating can help to release tension and promote relaxation. Plus, the pleasant scent of many body scrubs can also help to create a soothing and calming environment. Using a body scrub with calming scents promotes relaxation and calming of the mind. Essentially, you're giving your body a massage when you use your body scrub. Many sugar body scrubs contain calming or uplifting scents that relax or rejuvenate your mood, so light some soy wax candles and enjoy the relaxation.
Conclusion
As shown, body scrubs have a plethora of benefits. Not only are they relaxing, but they make your skin smoother, more even and softer, they improve circulation, help prevent ingrown hairs, reduce the appearance of cellulite, unclog pores and more. Whether you choose to do it at home or at a spa, using a body scrub is sure to leave your skin feeling refreshed.
